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Career Exploration

More than Just Writing

Technical writers and communicators do far more than write. They also design information, integrate visuals, deliver presentations, and work in teams. Technical communicators may collaborate with scientists, engineers, doctors, designers, or computer programmers on products and services. Technical communicators transform concepts and ideas into appropriate forms that audiences can use and understand such as reports, newsletters, policy, and procedure manuals, brochures, user manuals, videos, online documentation, multimedia, and websites.

These are just a few of the job titles technical writers and communicators might have:

Documentation specialist

Information architect

Technical editor

Technical writer

Usability specialist

User experience designer

Content strategist

“I took a job at the company I've been interning with as a courseware developer. The S&TC [scientific & technical communication, now technical writing & communication] program was amazing and before graduating I had already received three job offers. Thank you for all your support and hard work that has made this program such a great one. It is a really special degree and I feel totally prepared for the work world."–Heidi Cameron, BS 2014

Careers in the Twin Cities

The demand for trained technical communicators is strong and likely to increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10% increase in technical communication employment from 2014 to 2024. The Twin Cities is home to many companies and organizations that hire technical communicators including Medtronic, Unisys, IBM, Symantec, U.S. Bank, Fredrickson Communications, LSS Data Systems, Soulo Communications, Xata Corporation, and more. The Department of Writing Studies maintains connections with several of these companies and hosts networking events for students. See our alumni section for a list of businesses and educational institutions where our graduates are employed.